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The ultimate cockpit video camera

Garmin’s line of VIRB cameras has long been preferred by pilots, and their latest model breaks new ground. The powerful, easy-to-use, and compact VIRB Ultra 30 shoots ultra HD video (4K/30fps) with built-in image stabilization and GPS logging. Plus, the complete kit includes an audio cable for recording cockpit communications, a prop filter to remove distortion and mounts. It’s everything you need to create amazing flying videos.

The ultimate cockpit video camera

Garmin’s line of VIRB cameras has long been preferred by pilots, and their latest model breaks new ground. The powerful, easy-to-use, and compact VIRB Ultra 30 shoots ultra HD video (4K/30fps) with built-in image stabilization and GPS logging. Plus, the complete kit includes an audio cable for recording cockpit communications, a prop filter to remove distortion and mounts. It’s everything you need to create amazing flying videos.

Product test results

We went flying with the VIRB Ultra 30 and loved it: "Combine the 4K video quality with the included aviation accessories and wireless connectivity options, and you have a camera system that exceeds the needs of even the most demanding aviation videographer." Read more and watch video samples in this detailed pilot report.

Bought aviation kit with some additional mounting kits. Camera works well and I am still experimenting with mount locations on my Cessna 182. I am not very tech savvy but the camera seems pretty straight forward and operates well with the Garmin VIRB app on the I pad. I would recommend this product.

Camera arrived yesterday and I unpacked, assembled and charged it. First impressions are very good. Easy to use, clear screen, easy to navigate menu system. One disappointment is that the image stabilization is not supported in 4K mode. This is not stated on any website information that I read and so I believed it offered stabilization in ll modes. Will gve the camera a real test soon.

The jury is still out on whether I like it or "really" like it. I bought it to document our trip to the Bahamas in Sept. I've only had one flight with it and it was fine. I just built a mount for the passenger side headrest. Mine is fixed so none of the ones on the market will work. I expected the camera to be able to Bluetooth connection to the ipad/phones/Bose headsets. It does not...or I can't get it to do so. I'm old school so I'd rather have a hard copy of the manual. So, downloaded and printed one. The one complaint I have about the camera is that the datacard is NOT included!! You have to go buy one and it has to be certain models. I got 128GB at Best Buy for 89$. The camera chews through the battery but we bought a Mutant for power so it should not be a problem. The "best" thing so far has been the Sporty's experience. They really have been great (so far). Rick

Good setup, especially w the prop filter, altimeter cover and accessories. Having a overlay of heading, gps etc is a huge bonus.Id rather pay a tad more for the garimin line as i have in the past because the end result gives me non corrupted video files with validation that I like to have.Its a good deal for everything that comes in the kit. Add a pro pilot mounting system and youll need nothing else to capture flights the way you want!

The overall design, build quality, and video quality of the VIRB Ultra 30 are all excellent. Controlling the camera using the built-in touch screen and/or the free iOS app is straightforward. And pairing via WiFi and/or Bluetooth is simple and reliable. BUT there is one major design flaw specific to aviation...

The included audio cable and the charging/data cable both plug into the same mini-USB plug. As a result, you cannot record cockpit/ATC audio and have the camera plugged into a power source at the same time*. Given the battery life is only 60 to 75 minutes, that means recording a cross-country flight longer than that would require changing the battery in flight -- which involves removing the camera from its mount, removing the prop filer, etc. -- an unnecessary distraction and safety issue.

* I contacted Garmin support. Their recommended solution is buying both their Bare Wire USB Power Cable (P/N 010-12256-26 $19.99) and their Audio-Video Cable (P/N 010-11921-14 $29.99). I bought both, but still don't see how they solve the problem. I have contacted them again for instructions or a wiring diagram but, after one week, have not received a response.

The camera functions well once assembled. The issue I had was that the instructions for assembly and camera use were not clear or simple as had been advertised. It took too much time to actually figure out the assembly and how to use the camera.

I was recording my flights with a GoPro Hero 3 Black until the USB charging port disconnected from the camera. I bought the Virb Ultra as a replacement mainly because of its ability to connect to Garmin "Context" data sources of which I have a GTX-345 ADS-B Transponder which provides a wealth of data over context. The camera works beautifully, is much easier to use in-flight than the Garmin and records telemetry over context which you can later super-impose over your video if you choose. I am very happy with this purchase with one exception: For connecting to cockpit audio, the Aviation Kit includes a cable that goes inline with your headset audio out. The cable that I had used with my GoPro for the same purpose included the ability to power the camera with an external battery (essential for doing time lapses of long flights). The Garmin cable has no such capability so you are limited to the recording time of the internal battery (which varies depending on what you are doing, but is at most 2hrs.). To solve this issue I had to purchase a cable for the Virb from Nflightcam for an additional $40 (hence 3 stars for value). Garmin should provide a cable that allows for external power (note: never use aircraft power to power your camera as a ground loop is created that causes an undesirable hum in the audio track - I use an external USB power-pack.)

BEST ANSWER:I have not found a way to do this since the port used for both functions is tied up with one or the other. I believe you can connect the camera to your bluetooth headset for audio then use the cord for power, but I am not 100% sure.

BEST ANSWER:I have not found a way to do this since the port used for both functions is tied up with one or the other. I believe you can connect the camera to your bluetooth headset for audio then use the cord for power, but I am not 100% sure.

Thanks for the reply. This is unfortunate as cables are available (even from Garmin) that allow for connecting an external mic and charge at the same time. Maybe this package can be updated to be more useful..

Thanks for the reply. This is unfortunate as cables are available (even from Garmin) that allow for connecting an external mic and charge at the same time. Maybe this package can be updated to be more useful..

Does the LCD screen on the back act like a viewfinder and show what the camera is seeing or is it just for entering menu selections and camera options? If it's not a viewfinder, how do you see what the camera sees? Vi the app?

A shopper
on May 23, 2017

BEST ANSWER:Yes it acts as a viewfinder. It's a touchscreen, and also allows you to change the settings. Otherwise the tablet application works as a viewfinder as well. Enjoy!

BEST ANSWER:It comes with a standard dual plug cable to connect into your headset cables. This will allow you to capture both intercom and radio audio that would have been sent to your headset normally. It passes them thru to the headset.

BEST ANSWER:It comes with a standard dual plug cable to connect into your headset cables. This will allow you to capture both intercom and radio audio that would have been sent to your headset normally. It passes them thru to the headset.

Thinking of shooting video through open side window. What attachment method is recommended for attaching to Cessna side door?

A shopper
on Mar 18, 2019

BEST ANSWER:I use a GoPro Jaws Clamp Mount for my Virb Ultra 30. It clamps tightly! It should clip securely to the door with an open window. I haven’t used mine where the wind could effect it. I also don’t use the flexible goose neck you often see it bundled with.

BEST ANSWER:I use a GoPro Jaws Clamp Mount for my Virb Ultra 30. It clamps tightly! It should clip securely to the door with an open window. I haven’t used mine where the wind could effect it. I also don’t use the flexible goose neck you often see it bundled with.

I use a WingIt strut mount on the outside of my plane; however, I use it for my GoPro. I use the VIRB mounted looking out the front windscreen with a neutral density filter to remove the prop distortion. Hope this helps.

BEST ANSWER:I run 4 Garmin Virb Ultra 30’s simultaneously from my IPad using the Virb app. I can switch the views I see from in the cockpit and it all works smoothly. I cannot get the cameras to stay asleep and Garmin believes it is the communication with the IPad that keeps waking them up. This fall I plan on trying to run the 4 cameras with the primary camera in the cockpit without using the IPad. My goal is to shoot video coming through the clouds and breaking out of the clouds for others to experience.

BEST ANSWER:I run 4 Garmin Virb Ultra 30’s simultaneously from my IPad using the Virb app. I can switch the views I see from in the cockpit and it all works smoothly. I cannot get the cameras to stay asleep and Garmin believes it is the communication with the IPad that keeps waking them up. This fall I plan on trying to run the 4 cameras with the primary camera in the cockpit without using the IPad. My goal is to shoot video coming through the clouds and breaking out of the clouds for others to experience.

BEST ANSWER:I just spoke with John at Garmin Aviation/Experimental department. He said that you can link these two cameras together via Bluetooth, whereas if you do turn on one camera to record it will send the same signal to the other camera to start recording or stop recording, etc. I was asking specifically for and about controlling them from the G3X Touch Panel in an aircraft, but don't know why it wouldn't also work from a phone or tablet the same way. By the way, the Ultra 30 will live-stream video to the G3X Panel whereas the Virb 360 will not.

BEST ANSWER:I just spoke with John at Garmin Aviation/Experimental department. He said that you can link these two cameras together via Bluetooth, whereas if you do turn on one camera to record it will send the same signal to the other camera to start recording or stop recording, etc. I was asking specifically for and about controlling them from the G3X Touch Panel in an aircraft, but don't know why it wouldn't also work from a phone or tablet the same way. By the way, the Ultra 30 will live-stream video to the G3X Panel whereas the Virb 360 will not.

If using Stratus with ForeFlight and iPad to navigate and record track can virb be on Stratus WiFi or does it need to be separately connected to separate device such as android phone to check view and settings?

A shopper
on Mar 18, 2019

BEST ANSWER:There is a Garmin Virb app that will allow you to control it to the iPad. I will not connect via the Stratus WiFi signal.

The description says, "Connect to Garmin Pilot app or D2 Bravo watch for easy start/stop." I don't use Garmin Pilot or D2 Bravo. Is there another app I can use from my iPhone & iPad, or is there no app I can use?

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